It is the second DCMA command for Murphy, who led DCMA Boeing Canoga Park for two years beginning in 2002. At the time, the California office worked on contracts supporting NASA and the Missile Defense Agency.

As commander of the Eastern Regional Command, Murphy now oversees contract management offices dispersed from New England to Florida, employing more than 4,000 DCMA civilians and more than 150 active duty military personnel.

"It's my pleasure to be back with DCMA,” said Murphy. “I know the people here to be dedicated to doing great work in supporting the warfighter, and I'm looking forward to working with my contract management office commanders and agency leadership toward continued success.”

The ceremony was held aboard the USS Constitution, the oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world. Launched in 1797, the Constitution was a success in battle during the War of 1812, and now serves to educate visitors about naval history.

Unseasonably cold weather forced the ceremony inside to the ship’s gun deck, providing an intimate experience for guests, some sitting with shoulders touching the historic cannons. Present included James Russell, acting agency director, and leaders from the 17 contract management offices in the Eastern Regional Command.

Following military tradition, Greening received the agency flag from outgoing commander Navy Capt. Russell G. Pendergrass before turning to present the flag to Murphy.

A retirement ceremony for Pendergrass immediately followed the change of command. Pendergrass held two commands at DCMA during his 38 years of Navy service. He oversaw a four-state area while commanding DCMA Denver from 2003 to 2006, and led the Eastern Regional Command since May 2012.